Conditions

Boating - 5/20/2013 Chatfield reservoir is now open to boating. All vessels will need to be inspected for aquatic nuisance species. Currenty both North and South ramps are open for launching. The ANS stations are open from 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. *Decontaminations can be done on a walk-in basis every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the park office. Otherwise, please schedule an appointment and avoid long lines by calling (303) 791-7275 x4575. Camping - 5/20/2013 Modern camping on 197 sites, all with electrical hook-ups and 120 with full hookups. Reservations can be made for the summer season from April 15 through October 15. The campground is open through the winter on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit the "Camping" link on Chatfield's home page. Please check the camping page for fees. Camping reservations can be made for the summer season by calling 303-470-1144 or if outside the Denver area, please call 1-800-678-2267. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance but must be made at least three days before arrival. A daily park pass is required on all vehicles if you do not have an Annual Colorado Park pass. For more information, visit the "Camping" link on the left side of Chatfield's main page. CHECK OUR HOME PAGE FOR CURRENT FIRE BAN INFORMATION!!! FYI!!!!! To camp at Chatfield on the weekends during our summer season, you will need a reservation. We are full every weekend at least 2 - 3 weeks in advance. We do not hold out walk-in sites all sites are reservable. Construction - 5/20/2013 Visitors will frequently encounter ongoing construction or maintenance operations at Chatfield State Park. Please use caution near these operations and various types of equipment and follow directional signs to ensure the safety of all visitors and park personnel. Visitors will frequently encounter ongoing construction or maintenance operations at Chatfield State Park. Please use caution near these operations and various types of equipment and follow directional signs to ensure the safety of all visitors and park personnel. At present there are two major projects at the North end of the park which will impact the Dog Off Leash area and bicycle traffic on the main park road. As soon as April 17 we will begin a road construction project to straighten, widen with bike lanes, and repave the section of roadway from the top of the dam to the Cottonwood Grove parking area. As with our previous road construction projects, one lane of the roadway will remain open to move motorized traffic. However, during this construction, due to safety concerns, all bicycle traffic will be detoured to the trail system at all hours, day or night, regardless of active construction operations. The bicycle detours will be located at the trail entrance across from the North boat ramp access road and at the pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the South Platte River near Marcy Gulch. This detour will be in place for the duration of the project which is expected to be completed by June 30th. Concurrently, a trail improvement project will begin to reroute the current concrete trail which enters the Cottonwood Grove picnic area parking lot to an intersection with the main park road to the east of the Stevens Grove parking area. The new trail section will be integrated with existing trail from the "Y" intersection near the pedestrian/bicycle bridge and pass to the north of the picnic area. This reroute should resolve safety issues and bicycle/vehicle conflicts associated with the congested pa Fire Restrictions - 6/13/2013 Chatfield State Park is in a STAGE I FIRE BAN, please check the right side of our home page for more information. Fishing Report - 6/15/2013 The fishing has been very good lately; the water temperatures are reaching in high 60s. The water levels are dropping fast which will scatter the fish and make it more difficult to locate them. Smallmouth Bass have finished with their spawn but are still being caught along the dam using jigs and minnow lures. Sizes for Smallmouth Bass are larger than in years past with many keeper sized fish landed on a regular basis. Many Largemouth Bass have been caught in the shallow areas in the gravel ponds. Also, sizes have been very good with several keepers being reported. Walleye reports have been scarce but the few received have been at night from shoreline. Trout have been steady throughout the last few weeks. The lake has been productive also with fewer being caught but the fish’s sizes are larger. Most fishermen have been using worms, salmon eggs, and corn colored Powerbait. Carp have been the big story lately. Many fishermen have been fly fishing for them with some luck. In Roxborough Cove there have been many carp caught with sizes over 10 pounds and up to 38 inches in length. Carp are in there spawn cycle right now and are seen in the shallows but are more pick about what they feed on. Kingfisher was very productive a few weeks ago with nice Walleye and Largemouth Bass being hooked but has slowed down due to the dropping water levels. Icing Conditions - 4/2/2013 The lake is free from ice and is open for boating. Please use caution, watching for floating debris. Park Entrance - 6/15/2013 Daily park vehicle passes cost $8.00. Deer Creek entrance is manned Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The Plum Creek entrance station is manned 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. You may purchase your daily pass at either entrance when they are not manned; at the self-serve station adjacent to the gates using cash or check or the park office during office hours posted on our facilities page. Gate attendants cannot sell or do renewals for the Senior Aspen Lifetime Pass. Road Conditions - 5/20/2013 Please pardon our dust this year! We have a number of construction projects this year that may impact your visit. Please follow all roadway and trail detours and informational signs to ensure the safety of all visitors, construction workers and park personnel. See Construction Conditions above. Swimming Conditions - 5/24/2013 The swimbeach is open for the season. Hours of operation: Sunrise to Sunset, strictly enforced for your safety. NOTE: There are no lifeguards on duty! Swim at your own risk. Please be responsible for the people in your group. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult! Glass, pets, boats, grills, fires, and fishing are prohibited in the designated Swim Beach area. Also be aware that only 3.2% alcohol is allowed in State Parks! Water Levels - 6/15/2013 Water level is 5427.63 ft, and 21594 acre ft. Discharge below reservoir: 1.52 ft., 68.2 cfs. South Platte River at Waterton: discharge- 0.71 ft., 38.8 cfs Water Temperature - 6/15/2013 Approximately 67 degrees. Weather - 3/11/2013 See www.victoriasailingschool.com for current conditions. Including current temperature and wind conditions.